96 GTX - Should I get a new impeller?

[Fish1]

Hey Guys,

I know very little about all this stuff. I have a 96 GTX that runs decent, but not very fast (as expected). It tops out around 48-50mph. I'd love to get a few more mph from it and found someone with a Solas impeller that says it will add a few mph to the top end.

Is this correct? Will installing a used Solas impeller add a few mph's to the max speed? If so, about how many mph could I expect it to add?

I also use this ski for tubing sometimes. Would a Solas impeller have any negative impact while tubing?

Thanks for any help with this!

 

[Seadoobuddy]

I have the same ski and with everything OEM it tops out at about 53-55 at 7K RPM.
Is your wear ring in perfect condition?
Gray fuels lines, or dirty fuel filters??
Carbs synced together for top RPM....mine wasn't.

check those first before buying a new impeller...which will probably only add 1-2 MPH

 

[Fish1]

Thanks Seadoobuddy,

I have no idea how to check all that stuff

But with only a 1-2 mph increase, I know it's not worth going with the new impeller.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Coastiejoe]

Generally speaking, an upgraded impeller can easily increase your speed. However, it can just as easily lower it. If you get a much more aggressive pitch you will get substantial out of the hole acceleration. But, if the pitch is too much you will get decreased top end speed.

Getting the right part number is not too hard as MANY have done what you want to do. With the right one, you will normally gain out of the hole acceleration as well as 1 to 3 MPH on the top end.

All that said, as mentioned above, if you have an issue with the motor (such as old style fuel lines), you really need to address this first or at least at the same time to get the most benefit.

 

[skoolball23]

An aftermarket impeller will lose speed on a stock machine. I learned the hard way on my '97 SPX and '05 Ultra 150. My SPX has the same motor and pump as you and when I put a Solas XO impeller in it I lost bottom and top end. These manufacturers have the best all around impeller on these machines that is possible with a stock motor. They have done all the research and development and have already tweaked everything they can get out of the impeller selection. You definitely need to change out the grey fuel lines because ethanol eats them up and they will clog your carbs. I would also clean your rave valves.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

Thanks Seadoobuddy,

I have no idea how to check all that stuff
But with only a 1-2 mph increase, I know it's not worth going with the new impeller.
Thanks for the info!

1. Wear ring....slip a dime under a blade of the impeller, if it fits, the clearance is too much, it should be .04 inch or less...check with a feeler gauge.
2. If you have GRAY fuel lines then change them to Black auto lines and also clean the interior carb filters.
3. Take off the air box to look at the carbs. With the motor NOT RUNNING....Hold the throttle at full throttle and see if the butterflies open all the way. If not then adjust the cable nuts at the bracket.
4. Buy a manual for your skis....Lots of ways to get one.

 

[Minnetonka4me]

A aftermarket prop is one of the best things you can do if its the proper one. Its not easy to pick up speed on a jetski, but it will all around make the machine much better. Like adding really good tires to a car.

But as these guys have told you....proper maintenance is the best way to get the most out of your machine.

 

[Coastiejoe]

Don't let your ski scare you.

The very best way to learn is to get your hands into the hull and check things out.

The items that were suggested for you to check are not that hard. Many people here can help and are willing to do so, Until you get use to things, my only suggestion is to do one thing at a time. You will be more comfortable as you go and be happy that you did the work. You will not have to worry if someone else did it right or cheated you....

 

[Fish1]

I got the info on the used impeller the guy has available. It's a Solas with the part number: P/NO: SD-SC-XO (16.5-23.5)

I did some searching and came across this model number in the Solas catalog (Although the one this guy is an older one as opposed to the current 2013 impeller in the Solas catalog: http://www.solas.com/newweb/fb/pwc/index.html#/6/

In the catalog it shows this model listed as "X-prop High Speed & Ultimate performance

Would anyone have any idea if this particular prop would increase performance of my 96 GTX enough for it to be noticeable?

 

[Minnetonka4me]

I dont think a XO is the way to go on a gtx; I think you want one from Solas concord line.

 

[Fish1]

Thanks Minnetonka4me!

Just curious, why do you think the XO is not the way to go on the GTX?

 

[Spimothy Leary]

Thanks Minnetonka4me!

Just curious, why do you think the XO is not the way to go on the GTX?

that prop is "too much" for that ski.

 

[Fish1]

I also have a 99 GSX Limited. Would this XO impeller work well on that ski by any chance?